10 Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

What is Denver Most Famous For?

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Denver gets its ‘Mile High City’ label through its location on top of a mountain range, though this is not all it’s known for nowadays. As a growing urban centre, a cosmopolitan nature can be seen in its burgeoning culinary and arts scene. While it can be said that a lot of people travel to Denver for the neighbouring ski resorts, this idea is quickly changing as the city reasserts itself as a must-see destination in the West.

While the list of Denver’s natural wonders is seemingly endless, this is only the tip of iceberg. With a flourishing artisanal and craft food scene, we predict travellers from around the US and the world will be wanting a taste of Denver very soon.

What are the best things to do in Denver?

1

Start your day right at Larimer Square

Soak in the atmosphere of the heart and soul of the city

This historic neighbourhood can be linked to the original pioneer camp set up by a group of Native American and settlers in 1858. After they struck gold at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, word spread and east-coasters flocked to the west. The energy of the square is palpable, with bustling crowds and pretty string lights strewn almost everywhere. The frenzy of people is almost enough to get that natural kick-start you need in the morning, though the square is lined with cafés if you still need your caffeine hit. Local hotspot, Snooze, gets a special mention for their variety of pancakes.

Location: 1430 Larimer, No.200, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Good for:

History

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Budget

2

Must-See: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Feast your eyes on spectacular mountain scenery

I think it’s safe to say that Colorado is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, immersed in its iconic red and orange hues, on the many hiking trails the park has to offer. For a short hike, venture down the Trading Post Trail, which takes you through 1.5 miles of cinnamon-dusted buttes. Make sure to stop by the visitor centre to get information on the different trails and the park’s history. Also worth visiting is the amphitheatre. The theatre is geologically formed by the red rocks, giving it impressive acoustics. Look out for any concerts or events during your trip.

Location: 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465, USA

Open: Daily from 7am to 11pm

Phone: +1 720-865-2494

Good for:

Photo

Budget

Adventure

3

Wander around Union Station

Relax in Denver’s living room

Union Station is a 2 for 1 package – a shopping and dining centre that also functions as a public transit station. On top of that, it boasts a rich history, which is elaborated in an hour-long tour of the station. The station merges the history of Denver with the contemporary craft phenomenon that is currently happening in the city. Mercantile Dining & Provision and Stoic & Genuine have both gotten the nod by tourists and locals for their world-class dining. It is also said that the best way to experience the station is by sitting back and people-watching on one of the couches or chairs dotted around the station.

Location: Union Station, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Good for:

History

Photo

Budget

4

Have a picnic in one of the 200 parks in Denver

Enjoy the greenery in the Colorado sun

Choosing a park to sunbathe in can prove difficult when there’s as much choice, as there is in Denver. Often described as a city known for its sunny disposition, a picnic seems like the right idea. Washington Park, just by downtown Denver, contains two lakes and two flower gardens, one of which is a replica of George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon. For a more unique park, pop over to the urban Confluence Park, where you can also hop on the Denver Trolley for a 30-minute scenic ride along South Platte River. The gorgeous tree-lined Cheesman Park has a pavilion, flower gardens and views of the mountains. One thing worth mentioning is that Cheesman Park was Denver’s first cemetery, so maybe don’t come here at night.

Good for:

Couples

Families

Budget

5

Stroll around Denver Botanic Gardens

Get lost in 24 acres of nature

Denver Botanic Gardens truly are a sight for sore eyes. With 50 gardens, it’s easy to lose track of time while meandering through the vast greenery. There are a variety of environments, from a Japanese garden to a South African one. You can also enjoy art sculptures dispersed throughout the gardens. It’s said the gardens are enjoyable in any season, so be sure to keep this on your list year-round. Before visiting the gardens, check out if any festivals or events are on as this is another way to really enjoy the grounds.

Location: 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA

Open: Daily 9am to 8pm

Phone: +1 720-865-3500

Good for:

Couples

Families

Photo

6

Must-See: Denver Art Museum

Discover Denver’s growing art scene

Located in downtown Denver, this museum has a vast and varied collection. The museum holds art and artefacts from pre-Colombian times to the present. Come here to immerse yourself in culture and history, while sheltering yourself from that Colorado heat. The museum shop is also worth a visit for those who love unique souvenirs. Denver Art Museum is found in the neighbourhood of Capitol Hill, which is a lovely area to walk around aimlessly. Have a look around The Hamilton Building, which is an architectural attraction in itself. Nearby, is the museum of abstract expressionist Clyfford Still and The Art Hotel, which also has its own impressive art collection.

Go shopping in LoDo

Indulge in some retail therapy

One can never say no to a little retail therapy, especially if it comes in the form of charming streets filled with amazing boutiques and food. Shops around here mostly sell vintage and boutique goodies, but that makes it all the more charming. Old South Gaylord Street sees old houses turned into unique boutiques that sell everything from wine to art. Old South Gaylord Street and the equally interesting Cherry Creek both are located near the neighbourhood of LoDo, which is the city’s oldest area. It’s definitely worth finding accommodation around here.

Try a local beer

Denver’s good excuse to get a bit drunk

Denver’s beer scene is no secret and we can see this in the quantity and quality of its breweries. The beer craze in Denver can perhaps be linked back to either beer giants Coors or the Rocky Mountain Brewery. In recent years, the microbrew scene has exploded and continues to do so. There’s even a Denver Beer Trail, if you dare to try it. Beer aficionados are guaranteed to get their money’s worth. For a good and adventurous brew experience, check out Breckenridge Brewery, located just a block away from Coors Field. They offer unique brews such as Agave Wheat, Breck Indian Pale Ale or Oatmeal Stout.

Watch the Colorado Rockies

With the Colorado Rockies in the background

Settle down for a delightful view of the mountains and some baseball at Coors Field. Located in LoDo district, The Rooftop deck gives you the best views in the stadium. At the centre of The Rooftop is the Tavern Ballpark – a bar at exactly one mile above sea level. The bar itself is 52 feet 10 inches long, with 52 craft beers on tap. Just to top it off, Coors Field does some of Denver’s best Rocky Mountain oysters, which is a local delicacy of fried bull testicles (yum). What more could you want?

Location: 2001 Blake Street, Denver, CO 80205, USA

Phone: +1303-292-0200

Good for:

Families

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Group

10

Experience the craft cocktail movement

Enjoy some delicious, hand-crafted drinks at a number of places across the city

Denver’s artisanal drink scene is thriving. It is not only the distillery scene that’s booming, but the craft scene, too. The Lower Highland district (LoHi) is an eclectic mix of old and ultra-modern architecture and also offers stunning views of the Highland Bridge and downtown Denver. Williams & Graham, a cocktail bar awarded ‘best American cocktail bar’, is one of the highlights of the area. Another bar to note is RiNo Yacht Club. Found in the ever-stylish River North (RiNo) Art District, it is surrounded by an artisanal food centre named The Source, which has restaurants, breweries and an art market.